Edie MacKenzie

Edie MacKenzie is a published author, traveler, dog lover, and tortoise enthusiast. Passionate about what she does, her books provide peopel a firm grounding in the dog breed and their unique characteristics with a nice touch of humor.

Akita Inu Dog Breed

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The noble Akita Inu is an impressive dog. These large, dignified animals are so revered in their native Japan that they are considered national monuments, and owning one is said to bring good luck.

Originating in the rugged Akita Prefecture for which it is named, this was originally a hunting dog. Akita were used to track large game, like wild boar and the dangerous, grizzly-like Yezo bear.

The Akita Inu was first introduced to the United States in 1937, when two of the dogs were presented to Helen Keller as a gift. The Akita Club of America was founded in 1956, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1973.

These formidable dogs can stand as tall as 27 inches at the withers and weigh anything up to 125 pounds. They have a dense coat that can be brindle, red, fawn. sesame or white. They shed heavily twice a year, but other than that, are medium shedders.

Other defining features are a large head with fox-like features, and a thick, plumed tail that sweeps over the back.

The Akita has few health problems, and a life expectancy that ranges from 10-14 years. They are prone to Hypothyroid disease, but this can be easily treated with hormone therapy. Other health problems include impaired night vision, and progressive retinal atrophy. Hip and kidney problems may occur in older dogs.

Owning an Akita can be either a joy or a challenge. They are extremely loyal and protective dogs who form strong bonds with their family and are generally gentle with children and with other pets. They are known to become very excited when the see their owners, squirming around and making happy little grunting sounds.

These intelligent dogs are easy to train, but can be hard headed at times. If you want to succeed in this you will have to gain their trust and respect, otherwise they’ll simply ignore your commands.

The Akita is a dignified, self assured breed of dog that will seldom demand attention. However, you will have to exercise your dog daily, if your want to keep him trim and in good health.

Their high intelligence does mean that they bore easily. This can become a problem if they are not given regular physical and mental activity. They can become destructive and aggressive if they are bored, so training, early socialization, and a regular exercise regime are a must with this breed.

Don’t let that deter you from considering an Akita as a family pet though, because they are truly wonderful dogs.

Good names for a Akita Inu can be hard to find. The best advice is to search one of the online puppy names, sites, and my personal favorite is Puppy Names HQ. This site has thousands of excellent dog names, including a mega-database of cool dog names to pick from.

Dog Flea Treatment: Ideas In Avoiding Dog Fleas

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A dog flea treatment is the only way to get rid of fleas from your dog. These fleas can be dangerous as there are some that carry diseases. There is a saying however, that prevention is better than cure. These tips will help you in keeping those pesky fleas away from you and your dog.

1. A regular wash is ideal. One way to be rid and avoid fleas without having to spend a fortune. For more protection from fleas, you may want to use flea repellent dog shampoos. If your dog has fleas, a good dog flea treatment while giving him a bath is to use a flea comb. The design of this comb is specifically made to get rid of those fleas from the skin and hair of your dog.

2. Don’t let your dogs come in contact with other dogs that are infested with fleas. Tell your neighbor to have his dog cleaned and washed first before letting it play with your dog. As we are all aware, dogs are happy creatures that love to rub against one another; this is an opening for those fleas to find a new nesting spot. In addition, be sure that your dog has no fleas if ever you want him to play with other dogs.

3. Give your dog a healthy diet meal. In doing so, the immune system of your dog is boosted. A dog flea medicine that is now very common is to mix in powdered garlic in his food; the scent tends to keep those fleas away from him. Healthy dogs are always happy and excited dogs. Asking the veterinarian for the proper dosage is ideal as this can be lethal.

4. Keep your home a flea-free place. Check out and clean every surrounding of your home, especially if your pooch had fleas recently. They might go to the grass in the lawn, so cutting it short would be best. Cleaning the whole house, inside and out, can lessen the chances of your dog from ever having fleas again. It is very essential that you check the outside because your neighbor’s dogs might have fleas.

What you must do to have a flea-free home is to: clean your dog, keep flea-infested dogs away from it, let him eat a healthy diet and finally clean every spot in your home. If ever your dog might have fleas, visiting your dog’s veterenarian for an effective dog flea treatment is ideal. Vets can help you out in your worry about fleas. Remember that fleas might carry diseases and they can be harmful not only to your pets but also to yourselves.

How To Crate Train A Dog

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Crate training, also called kennel training, teaches a dog to spend time in a plastic, wooden or wire enclosure called a dog crate. A common misconception is that this is cruel, when in fact dogs actually love the security of the crate.

The crate simulates the den environment of a wolf, so not only is crate training humane, it actually draws on natural canine behavior.

When should you start crate training? On the first night you bring your pup home. You should of course have already bought a crate, and hopefully you got one with a sliding panel. Adjust the panel so that you give the puppy just enough space to lie down and turn around. Don’t be tempted to give the pup more space than that.

Use a soft towel as bedding, rather than a blanket. The towel will be just as comfortable, but better at mopping up any spills.If you got your pup from a breeder, ask if he has a strip of bedding which has her mother’s scent on it. The scent will help to pup relax and settle in quicker.

Put the crate in an area that will allow the pup to interact with the family. Don’t put the crate in a secluded spot as the puppy will feel isolated and take longer to settle. Remember that dogs are social creatures by nature.

At night you should put the crate in your bedroom – at least in the early weeks. The puppy will kick up a fuss at first. This is only to be expected, as she’ll be frightened by her new surroundings and most likely missing her mom and littermates.

Don’t feel you have to respond to every whimper though. Do this and she’ll soon figure out how to get you to come running.

Before you know it she’ll be quite happy to sleep in her crate. As she settles into the household you can start thinking about moving her out of your bedroom at night. She won’t like this at first and won’t be afraid to let you know it, but hang tough and she’ll soon accept the new situation.

Soon the crate will be her favorite spot in to whole house, and you’ll find it’s where she prefers sleeping.

Another benefit of crate training is that it makes potty training so much easier. Dogs are hygienic animals. They will not ‘go’ in their sleeping area. So crate training teaches your puppy to ‘hold it in’, from an early age.

Remember though that a puppy does not have the control of an adult dog, so give her regular toilet breaks every hour or so.

If she starts making a fuss and wanting to go out, get her outdoors right away. Give lots of praise when she relieves herself outside and your potty training will be much easier.

Read more about crate training puppies, dog behavior, dog health and other interesting dog advice at http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com.

Selecting The Best Breed for Your Life Situation

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Choosing a dog breed is, quite literally, a life changing decision. Make the wrong choice now and you could be setting yourself up for a world of trouble later on.

It is imperative that you choose a dog that is a good match for your lifestyle. You can start by answering the questions set out below.

1. How much space do you have?

Not all dogs need acres of space. in fact, provided they get regular exercise, most are quite happy with a small garden. Having said that, it should be obvious that some dogs need more room than others. Keeping a highly energetic dog, like an Airedale, or a Weimaraner, confined to a small apartment is just asking for trouble. You’ll very soon end up with a dog that is highly strung, destructive, and a real handful.

If you have limited space choose a more laid back breed instead. But remember, all dogs need at least some outdoor time, and regular exercise.

2. How much free time do you have?

Your number one responsibility as a dog owner is the well-being of your dog. Among other things, this includes daily walks and exercise. How long should they be exercised for? Well for most dogs, an hour per day will be sufficient. However, some breeds, particularly those from the herding, sporting and working groups, need even more than that. You’re looking at 2-3 hours per day to keep them satisfied.

Do you have what it takes to keep up with such an energetic dog? If not you may be better matched with a more relaxed companion, a Bulldog perhaps.Another consideration regarding time, is training. All dogs will benefit from at least some training. Some, like Poodles, Labs, and Golden Retrievers are relatively easy to train. Others, including most of the hound group, can be a real challenge.

3. What’s Your Activity Level?

If you love the active outdoor lifestyle, or if you have the kind of job where you can involve your dog, you’d probably do well with a dog that is a good match for your level of energy. You’ll probably want to choose a herding dog, or a working dog, like a Husky. These breeds love to work and really come into their own when given a job of work to do.

You may also want to consider a dog from the gun dog group, a Lab or Golden Retriever, perhaps. These dogs have bags of energy, and love to work, but they’re less demanding than other high energy breeds.

4. Do you have kids? How old are they?

It should be obvious that if you have children, you’ll want a dog that is good with children. Labradors and Golden Retrievers are renowned for their sweet natures, which explains the enduring popularity of these breeds.

Others that fit the bill are Beagles and Boxers who, despite their size, are known for their gentleness with children.Some breeds though, are not ideal around small children. Many toy breeds have a tendency to snap if provoked, while a large boisterous dog can easily knock a child over.

{Choosing a dog is an important decision and one that will impact on your life for the next 10-15 years. It is therefore advisable to make an informed decision. The questions above will get you started.|Choosing a dog is a big decision. What you do now will affect your life for the next 10 years and more, so choose wisely. Answer the questions above and you’ll be off to a good start.|Picking a dog is and important decision, and one you’ll want

If you want to discover more about dog breeds a-z, dog care, types of dogs and other interesting dog advice check out http://www.dogsanddogtraining.com

Focus on the Airedale Terrier

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A medium-sized, athletically built dog, the Airedale can stand up to 24 inches at the withers, and weigh as much as 65 pounds. It is the biggest of the true terrier breeds, and is often known as the ‘King of Terriers’

They have a wiry, black and tan coat and a unique ‘square’ profile, which makes them easily recognizable. The Airedale has the typical, ‘game’ terrier temperament, with an alert and energetic demeanor that suggests they are ready to meet any challenge.

The breed originated in Yorkshire, England in the area between the Rivers Aire and Wharf. The original cross was between the Otterhound and Welsh terrier, and was called by a number of names, including Waterside terrier, Bingly terrier, and the Rough coated terrier

The breed was recognized by the UK Kennel Club in 1886, and thereafter was known as the Airedale Terrier.

By this time the breed had already gained a reputation as a hard working, trustworthy dog, and this saw it make the transition from a purely hunting dog, to one that became a favored breed of the police and military.

These are active, independent and highly intelligent dogs. They are generally easy to train, but have a decidedly stubborn streak and also become bored quite easily. It is therefore important to base training on short, very focused sessions.

But the Airedale isn’t just all work and no play. These fun-loving dogs have a decided sense of humor and a genuine love of life. They love to play and make excellent pets for the right owner.

The Airedale is a generally healthy dog although it is not immune to the medical problems that typically affect purebred dogs. Hip displaysia, eye problems and skin disorders (especially hot spots) occur in the breed. Bloat, a serious, often fatal, condition can also occur if the dog is exercised too soon after a meal. Average lifespan for the breed is 12 years.

The rough wiry coat of the Airedale requires a daily brush down to keep it in good condition. The coat will also have to be professionally hand stripped a couple of times a year.

The Airedale is a low shedding breed, so it is a good for those who have a particular aversion for dog hair. It may even be suitable for allergy sufferers.

They ideal owner for an Airedale is someone who is reasonably active and can give the dog a lot of attention and daily exercise. These dynamic terriers are simply not suited to the lazy life, and will not do well in an apartment.

As with most active breeds, they will look for ways to amuse themselves if they are bored, and this can lead to destructive behaviors like digging, chewing and problem barking.

If you’re looking for a name for your Airedale Terrier, the best advice is to visit a dog names, website. The one that I recommend is Puppy Names HQ, which has a huge database of excellent dog names including 1000s of girl dog names.

Tips for Home and Potty Training of Dogs – Free Dog Training Types to Make Your Dog a well-mannered

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For good and healthy relationship of man and dog, dog training is a must, as it is in the process of training a dog can be taught manners requires that, to move in society. But what is a dog training and how it is useful for the dog? Here are some free dog training tips that give the answer. Dog Training includes training, clicker training, a marker, the rewards of training, collar and leash, positive reinforcement, dog whispering, dog obedience training, etc. Dogs are not perfect, and nobody is, and they do some things that can not be accepted, especially when people move from their masters. These behaviors include chewing, digging, jumping, begging, biting and barking unnecessarily. So, do not train dogs to bite and not bark dog training is equally important. Here are some tips, training a dog for free, they will certainly help change the behavior of your dog dog.

Free Training
Tips for the sole purpose of dog training is that your dog is well mannered. Below are some guidelines that must be met without interruption during the training for dogs:

  • In the initial phase, not by the weight of a dog with multiple commands, because they can become frustrating and confusing for their small brains. Remember to always respect the behavior of your dog and plan your training accordingly. Never give a command for the activity that the dog can be avoided.
  • Always praise your dog for good behavior and performance and reward him immediately, so that he could associate the reward and behavior. Use treats to the dog. It works as an amplifier for the dog follow your instructions religiously. This practice should be used, as it helps to develop an amicable relationship between a dog trainer and dog trainee.
  • During training, never, never punish the dog. Always focus on praising the changes in animal behavior.
  • punish your dog for bad behavior. Keep in mind that punishment and punishment are two different things. Kara means forcing the dog to the things that he does not like the leash jerk or ignore it to him to realize his mistake. These free dog training tips will help you train your dog in the way you want.

    Free Tips
    Home Dog Training home training is a must for the dog to be used outside and inside the building. Crate training is the primary method of training a dog. The puppy must be kept in a crate for short periods during the day. If you want to clean the puppy, take him outside. Learn how to clean it up either in the garden or in the sandbox, if there is no yard. You can even use these tips puppy potty training for that. Some dogs jump on their loved ones, over-excitement. That everything is okay with small dogs, but large dogs may be hurt or people jump on. So, to get rid of this behavior of the dog to ignore the dog instead of yelling and screaming at him. These tips on house training a puppy can be useful. At mealtime, you must create a separate meal for your dog. Explain to him in due course meals and make sure you stick to that time. Always remember, never overfeed your dog. Most enjoyable training, leash training for both the trainer and the dog provides a safe and pleasant walks with your pet. If you fully understand how to train your dog, then this free dog training advice religiously, you will observe a gradual change in the behavior of the dog, change the better.

    Free Tips
    Dog Potty Training Now we come to potty training tips. Potty training dogs need to be patient and give the dog a little time to learn. This training should be given at the puppy stage. For potty training an older dog, you need to understand his character and behavior. The main thing to keep in mind during this training is “in” and “out” times. Typically, they should be taken after fifteen to twenty minutes of their meal. Use the potty if you’re going to let him inside a pile of dog. Again, do not punish your dog too hard for pooping in the wrong place, and do not forget to reward good deeds enough behavior.

    Yes, these are some basic tips, free dog training to help you give your dog the basic training. So go ahead and make your dog “gentleman”. You can even get lots of free dog training tips online. Using a dog training tools dog training today can be simple. But the most important thing about training a dog is to give it their time and treat him with love and care. This is my dog ??training advice to you.

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